Meet Kim Seo-yeun, who found her own path to Finnish National Ballet

Korean ballerina Kim Seo-yeun, 24, has been selected as the featured image on the Finnish National Ballet's website for their upcoming production of The Lady of the Camellias, set to premiere next April. Hailing from Korea, Kim joined the esteemed company in 2020 and was promoted to first soloist the following year. She is anticipated to portray leading roles in multiple productions during the upcoming season, with Swan Lake scheduled to debut this month.

Kim's journey to becoming the face of Finland's national ballet company is noteworthy. While Korean dancers performing with leading ballet companies worldwide are not uncommon, Kim stands out for her remarkable rise to prominence. During an interview with Hankook Ilbo at the Seoul Arts Center, Kim shared her experiences performing in Finland.

She remarked that Finnish audiences are generally more subdued and do not cheer enthusiastically during performances. However, she noted that outside the theater, they frequently recognize her, approach her to express their admiration, and request photos or autographs. Kim expressed that she feels deeply appreciated by the Finnish audience.

Unlike many of her Korean counterparts who pursue international careers, Kim chose a different path. She did not attend an arts middle or high school or participate in specialized dance training institutions. Instead, she focused on honing her skills through regular ballet classes and training in Korea. Her decision to remain grounded and pursue her passion without following the conventional route has set her apart in the competitive world of ballet.